House Doctor: Keep gifts for the home simple



While many of us look forward to receiving an invitation to a wedding, housewarming or formal party at the home of a friend or colleague, the anticipation is often overshadowed by the uncertainty of gift-giving etiquette. Most people are in doubt when it comes to finding something appropriate for the intended recipient.

Buying decorative gifts for others can be tricky, particularly when we are selecting something for a home that we have never seen. We also must consider the message a gift may impart. The aim is to present something thoughtful and personal that offers happy memories for years to come and is not consigned to a closet forever. I try to be creative with gifts so I can stand out from the crowd and, hopefully, be invited to another event.

While the nature of the gift-giving occasion is one of the most important considerations, a few rules apply to almost any circumstance. First, always err on the side of elegance and simplicity.

A simple - and personal favourite - gift idea is an elegant, scented candle. Bloomingdale's in Dubai Mall has an incredible selection of aromas to fit every budget. A single candle can be a hostess gift, or a collection can be given as a wedding gift. Every time the candle is used, the recipient will be reminded of your thoughtfulness.

For casual get-togethers and housewarming parties, a decorative vase of flowers is useful and considerate. Long after the flowers have expired, the vase can be used again, prompting a memory of your attendance at an event.

Functional items such as a distinctive presentation dish or serving set are both useful and unique. Tavola (www.tavola.ae), a houseware and kitchenware store with locations across the GCC, has a wide range of options.

Coffee table books of local significance or on a subject the recipient has an interest in are also thoughtful. I like to give books featuring photography of Canadian landscapes, providing a glimpse into where I'm from. Other ideas are speciality food items and spices from your home country presented in elegant containers, or decorative objects that capture the spirit of your culture and heritage.

Consider gifts that can be enjoyed after an occasion has come and gone, avoiding items that impose your particular style on the recipient, including artwork, knick-knacks, joke gifts and odd gadgets that will live out their life in a drawer. The thought you put into selecting a gift will be evident to the recipient. Try to keep gifts small, tasteful and above all else, beautifully presented.

Robert Reid is a professor of architecture, art and design at the American University of Sharjah.

How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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What is a Ponzi scheme?

A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.

Our House, Louise Candlish,
Simon & Schuster

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Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:

1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition

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Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
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Rating: 4/5

 

Directed by: Joseph Kosinski

 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris

 
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Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5